What route is used for administering Nitroglycerin?

Nitroglycerin is commonly administered via the sublingual route because this method allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream and quick onset of action. Placing the nitroglycerin tablet or spray under the tongue bypasses the digestive system, enabling the medication to diffuse directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes in the mouth. This is particularly important for treating angina pectoris, where quick relief of chest pain is desired.

Other routes, although viable in different contexts, do not offer the same immediacy of action. For example, intravenous administration provides rapid effects but is typically reserved for more severe conditions. Intramuscular administration is not commonly used for nitroglycerin due to slower absorption, and topical routes, while used for longer-term management of angina, do not provide the rapid relief that sublingual administration can achieve. Therefore, the sublingual route is the preferred method for immediate treatment of angina symptoms.